Tuesday, January 31, 2012

No Yoga this week - I was physically and emotionally drained last Wednesday and I needed a time out.

Working out 3-4 times a week, working full time, mommy and wife duty full time was wearing me out. It was a nice break. You appreciate family nights much more when there are less of them during the work week.

Monday/Friday - 3 miles total

Weight: Up one ellll bbbee, but it's all muscle I'm sure. :)

I'm totally sucking with the My Fitness Pal tracking, but to be really honest, I did it for 2 weeks and was under my calorie limit every single day. I didn't really think my eating was my issue. My issue was my laziness and the fact that my ass was spreading on the couch and things were sagging more than they should at 33. I would eventually like to have another baby and I want to be stronger and healthier before that happens. As I've mentioned before I was in great shape before I got preggers with Mia and the delivery and recovery were easier because of it. I will swear to that forever.

I'm already game on with Week 5, I ran yesterday, but the stupid treadmill wasn't working and so I have no idea how far I went, but I ran for 30 minutes (well ran/walked, thank you C25K).

This has been a crazy schedule for me and a balance I am definitely struggling with almost daily.

I've told myself, you need to go at it full steam until the St. Patty's Run in March, then you can give up one day. (maybe only run 2 times a week instead of 3 or only do 1 Body Pump a week instead of 2; although I will likely give up running before Body Pump cause I love that freakin' class).

Happy New Week! Hope it's a great one for all of you.

Oh and PS I am majorly crabby (hormones are no joke after baby) today so when I see your comments and get on Twitter today can you make me laugh, cause I need it. Like whoa.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

I like Facebook and Twitter for the wonderful people I share it with, the light hearted, sometimes heavy hearted real life stuff and the things that make me laugh.

I don't want you to shove your political opinions and religion on me. That's not why I'm here.

It's my choice to be here and I understand that.

Should everyone have a voice, yes, but let's bring it down a few notches shall we?

The negativity that has already started with the upcoming (not really, but kinda) election already has me heated.

People truly disgust me with their, my opinion is the right opinion and you're wrong. NO.MATTER.WHAT. Really folks? Real--leeeeeee?

Is that how you raise your kids too?

There is little openness. I respect everyone's opinion (on most days) but I am no means one that feels that my opinion is the correct one (ok, maybe sometimes) and the end all be all of opinions.

You can call this judgmental, but this is my voice. I hate nothing more than seeing people raise their children to be EXACTLY like them. How is that preparing your children for being their own individual, creating their own sense of self? Are we here to mold and guide them in the right direction yes, but do we need to take every step for them, no.

Just because I believe and feel a certain way does not mean that I expect Mia to believe the same as me and my husband. I've talked a lot about having a open heart and an open mind and how much I truly, truly hope that Mia is raised feeling that openness. I want her to be guided by us in order to be prepared to make the best life decisions as she grows up.

This country is a mess and we could all make our own lists as to why on so many different levels, but really at the end of the day I don't want to hear about it. My decisions on a political and religious level are mine. I don't choose to share them. Why? Because I don't. That is my right.

People need to step back and really think before they open their mouth. Like, really, really think.

Anger, hostility and brutal judgment of others is inappropriate. No matter the subject, no matter the forum.

I'm not here to solve the world's problems.

I'm not here to tell you how it should be done.

But I am here to let you know that what I'm seeing and hearing is very distasteful. Much of the distaste I am hearing is coming from people that are raising children. I do my best to not judge other parents as I don't want others judging me, HOW.EV.ER, different ballgame with this subject. And that's what I believe and I'm not scared to admit it.

As a mother, just trying to raise my daughter in a crazy, crazy world, the lack of concern and unwillingness to work together, be open to each other and respect one another is frightening.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Monday/Thursday - Body Pump - 120 minutes (PS - I like this class so much, I may or may not have researched how to become an instructor. Not now of course, but maybe something for later this year or a 2013 goal)

Wednesday - Yoga - 60 minutes

I did NOT run AT ALL. Shame on me.

However last night, I kicked some major ass boootayyy on the treadmill so I kind of told the weekend who is still boss. I sweated like a beast. Brought back some college volleyball memories.

Weight: same (technically I lost 0.4 lbs, but I'm calling it even) Hubs said I should weigh again at the end of the week. Just trying to keep my weigh-ins on the same day of the week, not sure why. I'm a control freak like that.

I may measure for inches this weekend, especially since I am lifting a decent amount of weight each week. I may see more results in inches then the actually lllllll beeees.

And for those of you who have been leaving such positive feedback here and on my Twitter feed, thank you.

I appreciate all the support.

Operation Badass 2012 (I have a board on Pinterest with this name, yes, yes I do) is in full swing.

Monday, January 23, 2012

You've worked your ass off for the past 3 weeks. You are getting ready to start up week #4!

Wow! I can't believe you've been working out for 3 full weeks already. You go girl!

You look better, you feel better, you are stressed less (and not so cranky) and you're sleeping much better in such a short time. Your energy level is outstanding! Think of all the projects you've completed these past few weeks.

But Melissa, you kind of sucked this weekend. You didn't make it to run and you ate some not so good things and drank a good amount of wine. That's ok though, you have to cheat every once and a while I guess.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

My precious, beautiful and spunky daughter. My silly, silly monkey. You have a sniffle, a bit of a cough and you've been dragging a little bit this week. Mommy's been gone a lot in the evenings because she needs to lose weight, be healthier and stronger especially for you. I haven't been bringing you with me this week because I don't want to spread your germs to the other kids, so I've been keeping you home with Daddy instead. I'm sorry if this is throwing you off.

I just want to check and make sure that you know that your bed is not in the hallway. You do know that Mommy and Daddy put a nice and comfy big girl bed in your room right?

Just checking because three out of the last four nights I've found you like this:

I'm glad you like our carpet as much as Mommy does, but sweetie it's cold and you need a soft bed, pillows and blankies when you are sleeping.

So do me a favor, k, and stop being so independent and such a big girl and sleep in your BED and not on the floor.

Oh and can you stop asking me to stay and cuddle with you in the mornings, cause it's killin' my Mommy heart.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

If you've been keeping tabs on me, you would know that I'm currently working on the "work in progress" big girl bedroom for Mia.

I knew one thing and that was that it was going to involve owls. I have so many ideas going through my head and Pinterest is making it worse helping.

She got her bed just before Christmas and along with it came her new quilt set and shams.

Target, how I love thee, has frustrated the bageezus out of me with their Circo Love n' Nature bedding collection. The sheet set, in a full, has been out of stock for almost two months. Supa dupa annoying. I've checked every Target in our area, multiple times.

I would like to announce that in checking their website today, I found that one location in my old hood had some IN STOCK! I never in a million years thought I would stalk Target stores over bedding, but the time has come my friends. They have one on hold for me. Pray for me will ya? I mean this is major, world problem type stuff.

Here's What I Still Have Left To Do:
1. Find and purchase perfect bedskirt, preferably a ruffled one, similar to this but preferably with more layers and in a color.

2. Purchase this pink boa canopy because I could make one but for $30 + coupon, not worth the hassle.

3. Hang white shelf (that has been painted since last spring, ahem Hubs...waiting on you homey.)

4. Come up with something crafty to do with her letters that will be removed from wall where canopy will go. I'm thinking of framing them and putting them on her shelf as mentioned in item #2.

5. Paint a tree on one of her walls for her owl/animal decals that she got for Christmas that match her bedding and are all too cute and perfect.

6. Paint furniture (likely a spring project, but time will tell.). We came across some great antique-ish pieces: a night stand and armoire courtesy of a great find from my residential real estate agent cousin!

7. Project chandelier. I have a vision. I just can't wait to see it come together. Just need to find the perfect one that I can add my special touches to. I'm going to start with a brass fixture because I absolutely refuse to spend what stores are asking for for white chandeliers. Nutso.

Last week in total I burned approximately 2,000 calories in exercise. Wow! And I'm already feeling better. And I'm sleeping better. I'm pretty sure last night I did not move between falling asleep and my alarm going off. Sleeping like a rock is who I used to be pre-child. I didn't know I would ever see it again.

I've been tracking with My Fitness Pal since last Wednesday and I have been under my calorie limit every day. I eat too many carbs and way too much sodium, but I seem to be in line otherwise.

Weight Update: 197.4 lbs
Weight Loss to date: 3 lbs

Tonight we (me and my workout buddy Gina) are trying a new class, Body Combat.

AND because I have a deep respect for Dr. King, I wanted to share one of my favorite quotes (if you want to read more about my love for him you can, cause I wrote a post about him last year...you're welcome.)

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Scene: 20 minutes into Body Pump, heart racing, feeling good as one of the child care teachers comes into the classroom, all mothers turn to see who she is looking for, it's me - winner!

Woman: "Your Mia's Mom right?"

Me: "Yes." (all options running through my head - did she fall, did she hurt someone, did someone hurt her, is she bleeding, etc.; this was her first time at the child care at my gym and as I assumed she would do great being the little social butterfly that she is, as a mother I always worry about her; also feeling major mom guilt as I picked her up from one sitter and immediately drop her off at another)

Woman: "She just went pee and poop on the potty and she wants you." "And we don't wipe."

walk to Kid's Club (trying to pick up the pace, but my legs are already shaky; thinking to myself, she has not had any interest in the potty in 2 months and her first time in child care at the gym and she goes into the bathroom, pulls her pants down, takes off her diaper and poops and pees? It's like a miracle.)

enter Kid's Club. open bathroom door. It's not my kid.

In the background I hear the other teacher, "that's not Mia's Mom."

Oy.

Woman: "I'm so sorry, we have two Mias." "Now who is this Mia's Mom."

Oy.

I do a quick check to make sure my child is still there and alive. I spot her, playing by herself, appearing to be having a grand time. Ok. All is good here. Back to class.

attempt to haul it back to class, but my legs don't appear to be moving very quickly, so I shake back to class.

I finished the class with no more issues, but I think we can all say that wasn't the best first day in the gym child care experience. They were so embarrassed; you could tell they felt horrible.

I'm thinking to myself, I know it's Monday and the first full week for many of us, but come on folks these are children you are dealing with. Get your act together.

We survived our first gym child care experience, except in all the chaos and apologies when I picked her up I didn't get my license back.

So I ran by quickly this morning before work to get that back in my wallet.

I plan to journal, keep track of what I'm doing and the results that I'm (hopefully) going to see.

Current weight after week 1: 200.4 lbs.

Um yeah, not ok. I don't care if I'm almost 6'3" tall, Momma needs to focus on getting below (waaay) that number. I don't need to be a rail; I never was one and never will be. I just want to feel better about me. I want to be stronger and healthier. I want my daughter to know the importance of fitness. That is what I'm concerned with.

It would be one thing if that was muscle weight, but we all know it's more like chocolate, holiday, lazy ass, you're in your 30's and you can no longer eat whatev you want weight.

Still sitting about 15-20 lbs more than I would prefer.

Tonight: More running.

After all, if I'm going to meet my goal of 4 5Ks this year, I better get moving.

The game plan is set for this week and a BIG thanks to my new work out buddy Gina. Keeping on track is much easier with a buddy.

The Hubs and I have been talking about adding (or not) to our family quite a bit for the past 6 months or so. We are about 80% sure that we want to add one more to our family. I was in EXCELLENT shape before we got pregnant with Mia and I was able to drop the weight pretty quickly. I want the next one to be the same way.

Friday, January 6, 2012

I am a reality junkie. I watch a crap ton of reality TV and keep up on the reality "news" checking TMZ and People every.stinkin.day. And I like Jersey Shore and the Kardashians (judge away).

However, the marriage sitch lately is getting crazy.

Divorces of 2011, shall we:
1. JLo and Marc Anthony
2. Katy Perry and Russell Brand
3. Zooey Deschanel and Ben Gibbard (umm...I love her, PS)
4. Debra Messing and her husband (she should still be living in an apartment with Will. I will see her no other way, ever).
5. Ashton and Demi (Iowa boy couldn't keep his weenie in his pants. Shame on him).
6. Christina Aguilera and Jordon Bratman
7. Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz
8. Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller (don't even get me started with these two; poor kids).
9. Arnold and Maria (word on the street is they are "reconsidering")

Marriages of 2011, shall we:
1. Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries (um, wha?; 72 days; where do we begin with this?)
2. Sinead O' Connor and that guy she married (seriously folks?)
3. Johnny Weir and the guy he married (I would love to spend one day with Johnny Weir)
4. Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean (I'm not sure he's McLean enough to be married; the boy has had his issues).
5. Will & Kate (seriously, could they (mostly she) be any freakin' cuter??)
6. Paul McCartney (again; 3rd times a charm buddy, you can do it!)
7. Lauren Bush and David Lauren (say her new married name out loud for me; and if you haven't seen pictures of the dress her designer daddy-in-law made, you should google it, it's amazing).
8. Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo (potential here, we shall see)
9. Candice Crawford and Tony Romo (they will make cute babies)

Dudes - do you really think your marriages will survive in Hollywood? Reasons why, shall we:
1. You have a lot of money
2. You have temptation
3. You spend too much time away from each other
4. You marry quickly
5. You're too young
6. You marry your back up dancer

And now that we are through the holidays we now have some new announcements:
1. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel (they might make it)
2. Drew Barrymore and her fiance (some artist and it's her 3rd, you do the math on this one).
3. Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber (just kidding Bieberettes).
4. Mario Lopez and that girl he's been dating (I was pretty sure he was gay and am still pretty sure I'm right)
5. Britney Spears and Jason Trawick (I have no opinion at this time)
6. LeBron James and his girlfriend/baby mama (they seem normal and have potential, but you never know with those kind of benjamins rollin' around)
7. Michael Jordan and some young model. (icky!)
8. Steven Tyler and the lady his family hates
9. Jessica Simpson and the former football player fiance, soon to be baby daddy.

So good luck to you guys!

Why I care, I have no idea. What I do know is, it drives the Hubs crazy.

So, guess who's looking forward to catching last night's Season Premiere of Jersey Shore this weekend?

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Like many of you, today is the first day back to the routine. I hate to say it, but I'm looking forward to the normalcy and monotony. I think our family is better and happier that way. The time off has been nice and I've definitely enjoyed the extra time with my daughter, husband and family, but it's time to get back to it.

So as I settle back into the balance of life, I'll leave you with this because some days we should all remind ourselves that we are capable of being this happy.

Who's That Girl?

I'm a full-time working mommy to two adorable little girls, wife, sister, daughter, aunt and cousin. Trying to balance parenthood, wifehood and a full time career in real estate. Lover of all things that involve my family, wine, the spa, a good mani/pedi and of course, St. Louis Cardinals baseball. My Midwest world is busy, but I'm learning to embrace the chaos. Follow me along on my journey through the ins and outs of my daily routine. I'm talking all things family, friends and mostly random happenings and thoughts. It's a crazy train, but I wouldn't have it any other way!